Mechanical Engineer

Actalent; North Reading (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a skilled Mechanical Engineer to lead the design of camera and sensor-based products, focusing on robust mechanical systems and thermal management. The role will involve SolidWorks modeling, thermal simulations, and close collaboration with electrical and software teams to ensure seamless integration.

The candidate will own the product lifecycle from concept to prototype, develop manufacturing-ready designs, and drive tests and validations with a strong emphasis on

Qualifications

• Design and develop mechanical products from concept through prototype for camera and sensor systems.
• Create detailed 3D models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks.
• Apply thermal simulations to optimize thermal management in camera and sensor systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (electrical and software) for seamless integration.
• Develop, document, and manage mechanical design requirements to meet performance, reliability, and quality standards.
• Conduct testing/validation to confirm design assumptions and product performance.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Execute tolerance stack-up analyses for fit, function, and manufacturability.
• Design for manufacturability and assembly (DFM/ DFA) to enable cost-effective production.
• Work independently to drive projects, manage priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design processes and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical product design from concept through prototype with a focus on camera-based and sensor-based solutions.
• Develop 3D models and detailed drawings in SolidWorks to support development and manufacturing.
• Apply thermal simulation techniques to evaluate and optimize thermal management in camera and sensor systems.
• Collaborate with electrical and software engineers to ensure seamless system integration.
• Document mechanical design requirements to ensure performance and reliability.
• Perform testing and validation to confirm design assumptions and product performance.
• Analyze root causes and implement corrective actions to resolve issues.
• Carry out tolerance stack-up analyses for proper fit and manufacturability.

Job description

This role offers the opportunity to lead the design and development of innovative products that integrate cameras and sensors, with particular emphasis on thermal management and optics. As a key member of the engineering team, you will own the product lifecycle from concept through prototype, ensuring robust mechanical designs that work seamlessly with electrical and software systems. This position is ideal for a creative, self-motivated engineer who enjoys solving complex design challenges in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative mechanical products from initial concept through prototype, with a focus on camera-based and sensor-based solutions.
• Create detailed 3D models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks to support product development and manufacturing.
• Apply thermal simulation techniques to evaluate and optimize thermal management within camera and sensor systems.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including electrical and software engineers, to ensure seamless integration of mechanical, electrical, and software components.
• Develop, document, and manage mechanical design requirements to ensure products meet or exceed performance, reliability, and quality standards.
• Conduct testing and validation activities to confirm design assumptions and product performance under expected operating conditions.
• Perform root cause analysis on design or performance issues and implement effective corrective actions.
• Execute tolerance stack-up analyses to ensure proper fit, function, and manufacturability of components and assemblies.
• Design products with a strong emphasis on design for manufacturability and assembly, enabling efficient and cost-effective production.
• Work independently with minimal supervision to drive projects forward, manage priorities, and meet project deadlines.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design processes, standards, and best practices within the engineering team.
• Mechanical engineering background with strong mechanical design and product design experience, including design for manufacturing.
• At least 5+ years of professional experience in product design, preferably with a focus on camera and sensor-based systems.
• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling, assemblies, and detailed engineering drawings.
• Hands-on experience with thermal simulations and analysis to support thermal management in product designs.
• Proficiency in Ansys or similar simulation tools, with a strong understanding of thermal simulations and mechanical analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to perform tolerance stack-up analyses for complex mechanical assemblies.
• Experience conducting testing, problem-solving, and root cause analysis to resolve design and performance issues.
• Strong understanding of production design principles, including design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA).
• Ability to work independently, take ownership of projects, and drive tasks to completion with minimal supervision.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline is strongly preferred.
• Experience designing products that integrate cameras, sensors, and associated mechanical components.
• Familiarity with optics design concepts and considerations for camera systems.
• Exposure to machine vision applications and related hardware is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail in mechanical design.
• Effective communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and documenting design requirements.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt to evolving project needs.

The role operates in a professional engineering environment that emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, using tools such as SolidWorks and Ansys to design and analyze products that integrate cameras, sensors, and supporting mechanical structures. The work involves a blend of individual, focused design tasks and collaborative design reviews, with an expectation of working independently and managing priorities effectively. The environment supports rigorous testing, validation, and continuous improvement of design practices, offering opportunities to contribute to a growing product line and to solve complex mechanical and thermal challenges.